Police Uncover Alleged Prisoner Linked To AK-47 Supply, Arrest Robbery Suspects

Ondo State Police Command has uncovered an alleged prisoner linked to the supply of an AK-47 rifle following the arrest of three suspected members of an interstate armed robbery syndicate.

They are believed to be responsible for a string of violent robberies across Ondo and Lagos States.

The commissioner of police, Felix Ohagwu, disclosed this yesterday when he briefed journalists in Akure.

Je said the suspects allegedly told investigators that the assault rifle was bought through a contact currently serving a prison sentence.

The suspects, identified as Promise Daniel, 34; Ifanyi Yemahi, 29 and Adaramoye Abayomi, 37, were arrested in connection with an armed robbery case reported at the Iju Police Division, Itaogbolu, in Akure North local government area.

Ohagwu said the suspects were intercepted while travelling in a Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance by operatives of the command.

He said a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition, an English Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition, a UTC axe and an iron cutter.

According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigation linked the suspects to a notorious interstate armed robbery syndicate, while their confessional statements provided useful intelligence to investigators.

‎”According to the suspects, the weapon was purchased through someone who is already in prison. We are still investigating that claim. These criminals are very clever. The information available for now is that the weapon was allegedly purchased for about N700,000,” Ohagwu said.

‎He added that detectives had also identified the alleged receiver of stolen items and were intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the gang. “We are carrying out a diligent investigation. Even the receiver of their loot has been mentioned, and we are following those leads. We are also looking for other members of the syndicate,” he said.

‎The CP further disclosed that the suspects were arrested just as they were allegedly preparing to embark on another robbery operation, adding that investigations were continuing to unravel the group’s activities.

‎In a separate development, the police command said it foiled a violent clash arising from a land dispute at Adebuji via Kajola, arresting seven suspects and recovering two locally made guns, two cutlasses, suspected charms, a container of liquid labelled as acid and other dangerous weapons.

‎Ohagwu said the dispute involved parties in a land case pending before a High Court in Ore, warning against self-help in civil disputes and assuring that all those found culpable in both cases would be charged in court after investigations.

‎He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with timely, credible and actionable information, stressing that public cooperation remained crucial to preventing crime and bringing criminal elements to justice.